The ad, set to appear in a glossy color brochure on Saturday, features a smiling Mr. Tisei with his arm around his beaming spouse at their wedding reception this year.

And while such familial images have become a staple of modern campaigns, the decision by Mr. Tisei  an openly gay Republican running for Congress  to feature his husband, Bernie Starr, in the ad is a sign of how quickly views are changing on same-sex marriage and the broader tableau of gay rights.

I think people need to know who I am and what Im all about, Mr. Tisei said. Im obviously proud to be married to Bernie, and Im proud to be a Republican.

For gay candidates, talking openly about a partner or loved one  let alone showcasing them in an ad  has traditionally proved tricky. And the Republican Party has been struggling to adjust to the growing acceptance of same-sex marriage.

But this cycle, three gay Republicans running for Congress  Mr. Tisei in Massachusetts, Carl DeMaio in California and Dan Innis in New Hampshire  are featuring their significant others in campaign ads, a first for a gay congressional candidate from either major political party.

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